Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Ringing In The New Year

Don't settle for some champagne toast at some dress-up ball or some crappy cover band at your local dive bar. Bring in 2009 at a show this year. Quite a few good one's to choose from.


Two shows are in Philly this year, both a little quirky and a bit geeky, but worth seeing. The Grand Poobahs of geek rock are coming to the TLA. John and John of They Might Be Giants will be performing all of your old favorites and some new songs from their latest in two different shows. Of course, the late show (11:00) is the place to be for the celebration, but those not able to stay out past midnight or just have stuffy parents can catch the early show (7:30). Opening the first show is .357 Lover. Basically take late show opener Corn Mo and put a band around him. Ben Folds and Andrew W.K. have good words for them and you will to.




Up in Fishtown at Johnny Brenda's is local band made good, Pattern Is Movement. Opening is The Mural and The Mint. While celebrating the new year, take time to bid farewell to Philly Weekly writer Doug Wallen, as he moves on to Australia. Here's a snippet of his writing about Pattern Is Movement.
The combination of Thiboldeaux’s swooning, near-operatic singing style and Ward’s fierce yet deconstructive drumming, surrounded by flurries of shimmering keys and sometimes strings, makes Pattern Is Movement more unusual than ever.
And TM&TM
The single ‘Builders’ is precisely that—a breezy standout that brings us into the album while making the most of Jones’ backing vocals. Like the rest of Private Pockets, it twinkles gently but burns with sincerity, romantic and critical at once.
mp3: Pattern Is Movement - Bird
mp3: The Mural & The Mint - Private Pockets (entire album for free on website)

For the big night in the District, Rock & Roll Hotel is also getting in the party mood with local favorites. Catch US Royalty along with Pash, Lode Runner and a ton of DJs for a festive night.

mp3: US Royalty - Every Summer
mp3: Pash - Four Straight Days
mp3: Lode Runner - Dirigibles

The big ticket in Baltimore is Wu-Tang at Sonar. This place is going to be a mad house. After a night like that, you want more Wu? 9:30 Club is hosting a New Year's Day show.

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Thursday, December 20, 2007

Some December Releases

December hasn't produced many albums this year, but there are a few worth noting. On the big name front, Wu Tang Clan finally released 8 Diagrams and members of Weezer and Radiohead released solo albums. On the more underground side of things, there were some good releases from The Dimes, Wakey! Wakey!, and DC's Meredith Bragg.

Meredith Bragg

Silver Sonya - "My Absent Will"

Wu-Tang Clan

8 Diagrams - "Stick Me For My Riches"

The Dimes

The Silent Generation - "Catch Me Jumping"

Wakey! Wakey!

Silent As A Movie - "LGA"

Rivers Cuomo

Alone: The Home Recordings of Rivers Cuomo - "Wanda (You're My Only Love)"

Jonny Greenwood

There Will Be Blood (Soundtrack) - "There Will Be Blood"

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